The Ruling on Combined Classes – Shaikh Ibn ul-‘Uthaymeen

Question: In some educational districts in the villages, they combine some classes together: such as, grade one with grade two. So this teacher carries a greater responsibility than another teacher. So what is the principle in this affair?

Answer: “This is not possible, May Allah Bless you, because the curriculum of these [students] is not the curriculum of those [students]. So a disadvantage and deficiency is bound to occur. Next, I am certain that the Ministry is not pleased with this because the meaning of this is that a man [the teacher] will remove from himself half of the periods, if the classes are equal. So it is obligatory to teach every class at its level, even if it is one male student or female student. If the Ministry is the one who affirms that due to the number of students or something that they see, then this is for them to do so. However, my speech is in regards to opposing the system of the Ministry of Education, then this is not allowed. In any case, the solution to this problem is for the Ministry of Education and not for me”.